What is Half Double Crochet?
Half double crochet (hdc) is a fundamental crochet stitch that creates fabric with medium height and density. It's called “half double” because it's roughly half the height of a double crochet stitch while using a similar technique.
What makes hdc unique is the yarn over at the beginning and pulling through all three loops at once at the end. This creates a distinctive third loop on the back of each stitch, which opens up special texture possibilities.
The resulting fabric has beautiful drape - not as stiff as single crochet, not as open as double crochet. This makes hdc perfect for garments, blankets, and accessories where you want both warmth and flexibility.
How to Half Double Crochet: Step by Step
Follow these steps to master the half double crochet stitch. Practice on a foundation chain first.
Yarn Over
With a loop on your hook, wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front. You now have 2 loops on your hook.
Insert Hook
Insert your hook into the next stitch (or the third chain from hook for the foundation row). Push the hook under both loops of the V-shape.
Yarn Over and Pull Up
Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch only. You now have 3 loops on your hook.
Yarn Over and Pull Through All
Yarn over one more time and pull through all 3 loops on your hook at once. One half double crochet complete!
Foundation Row Tip
When starting a row of hdc from a chain, work your first hdc into the third chain from the hook. The skipped chains count as your first hdc. For subsequent rows, chain 2 and turn, then hdc into each stitch.
HDC vs Other Basic Stitches
Understanding how half double crochet compares to other stitches helps you choose the right one for your project.
| Stitch | Height | Pull Through | Turning Ch | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Crochet (sc) | Short | 2 loops at once | ch 1 | Dense, firm |
| Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Medium | 3 loops at once | ch 2 | Balanced, soft drape |
| Double Crochet (dc) | Tall | 2 loops twice | ch 3 | Open, lacy |
Half Double Crochet Variations
Once you've mastered basic hdc, try these variations to create unique textures.
HDC Through Back Loop (hdc-blo)
Work into back loop only for ribbed texture
Effect: Creates stretchy ribbing, great for hat brims and cuffs
HDC Through Third Loop
Work into the horizontal bar behind the V
Effect: Creates a knit-like texture called "camel stitch"
Herringbone HDC
Modified hdc where you skip pulling up a loop
Effect: Dense, diagonal texture perfect for dishcloths
HDC Slip Stitch
Yarn over, insert, pull through stitch and first loop
Effect: Extra dense fabric, slower to work but very sturdy
Project Ideas Using Half Double Crochet
Put your new skills to use with these popular hdc projects.
Cozy Beanie
HDC creates a warm, slightly stretchy fabric perfect for hats.
Textured Scarf
The hdc through back loop only creates beautiful ribbing.
Baby Blanket
Soft drape and medium density make hdc ideal for baby items.
Market Bag
Sturdy enough for daily use with a nice stretch.
Common HDC Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting the initial yarn over
Always yarn over before inserting your hook. Without this step, you'll make a single crochet instead of hdc.
Pulling through wrong number of loops
After pulling up a loop, you should have exactly 3 loops. Pull through all 3 at once - not 2, not 1.
Inconsistent turning chain
Chain 2 at the beginning of each hdc row. Some patterns count this as a stitch, others don't - read carefully.
Splitting the yarn
Make sure your hook goes cleanly under both loops (or the specified loop). Splitting yarn creates weak spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is half double crochet used for?
Half double crochet (hdc) creates a fabric with medium density and nice drape. It's commonly used for hats, scarves, blankets, and garments where you want something softer than single crochet but denser than double crochet. The unique third loop that forms on hdc stitches also enables special texture techniques.
How tall is a half double crochet stitch?
Half double crochet is approximately twice the height of single crochet and about two-thirds the height of double crochet. For turning chains, hdc typically uses chain 2 (compared to chain 1 for sc and chain 3 for dc).
What does hdc mean in crochet patterns?
HDC is the standard abbreviation for half double crochet in US crochet terminology. In UK patterns, the equivalent stitch is called "half treble crochet" and abbreviated as htr. Always check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms.
Why does my half double crochet look wrong?
Common issues include: not yarning over before inserting the hook, pulling through the wrong number of loops, or inconsistent tension. Make sure you have 3 loops on your hook before the final pull-through, and that you pull through all 3 at once.
Can I substitute hdc for other stitches?
You can often substitute hdc in patterns, but it will change the fabric characteristics and gauge. HDC is denser than dc but more open than sc. When substituting, make a gauge swatch and adjust hook size as needed to match the pattern measurements.
What is the third loop in half double crochet?
Half double crochet uniquely creates a horizontal bar (third loop) behind the top two loops of each stitch. Patterns sometimes specify working into this third loop only (hdc-tbl or hdc3lo) to create distinctive textures like camel stitch or knit-look fabrics.